Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Trade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ผ
Add to dictionary

trade

[treษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

Trade refers to the buying and selling of goods and services between different entities, such as individuals, companies, or countries. It involves the exchange of products for money or other goods, with the aim of making a profit.

Synonyms

business dealings, commerce, transactions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
trade

Can also mean a specific occupation or a skilled profession.

  • He learned the trade of a carpenter from his father
  • The blacksmith's trade is nearly extinct
commerce

Used when referring to large-scale activities related to buying and selling, typically involving companies or countries.

  • The rise of e-commerce has revolutionized traditional retail
  • Commerce between these two countries has flourished in recent years
business dealings

Used when referring to the interactions and agreements made during the course of running a business, often in a more formal or legal sense.

  • He is very shrewd in his business dealings
  • Their business dealings were always transparent and ethical
transactions

Used when talking about individual instances of buying or selling; often refers to the monetary aspect of a deal.

  • Online banking allows you to monitor transactions in real time
  • The transaction was completed within minutes

Examples of usage

  • International trade plays a crucial role in the global economy.
  • She works in the trade industry, importing goods from overseas.
Context #2 | Verb

commerce

To trade means to exchange goods or services with others. It can involve bartering, where goods are exchanged without the use of money, or more commonly, buying and selling products for a profit.

Synonyms

barter, exchange, swap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
trade

Duplicate entry.
exchange

A general term for giving one thing and receiving another in return. It can be used in various contexts, including financial markets, personal interactions, or gift-giving.

  • They had a friendly exchange of ideas during the meeting.
  • On the currency exchange market, the value of the dollar fluctuates daily.
barter

Refers to the act of exchanging goods or services directly without using money. It is often used in historical contexts or informal, non-commercial exchanges.

  • In ancient times, people would barter goods like grain and livestock.
  • At the farmer's market, you might be able to barter your homegrown vegetables for homemade bread.
swap

Informal term, often used in casual or personal contexts. It describes the act of exchanging one item for another, typically between friends or acquaintances.

  • Let's swap our books after we're done reading.

Examples of usage

  • They decided to trade their old car for a new one.
  • She trades in rare antiques for a living.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'trade' comes from Middle English 'trade', which means 'track or course', and it relates to pathways for exchanging goods.
  • Originally, trade began as bartering, where people swapped items directly without using money, dating back to prehistoric times.
  • The Silk Road, established around 130 B.C., was a famous trade route connecting China to Europe, fostering cultural exchange and commerce.

Economics

  • Trade is essential in economics, where countries can specialize in producing goods they create best and import what they need.
  • International trade can affect local economies, creating jobs in export industries while sometimes threatening local businesses.
  • Globalization has increased trade between countries, leading to more interconnected economies and cultures.

Cultural Impact

  • Trade has historically led to cultural diffusion, where ideas, customs, and technologies are shared and adapted across regions.
  • Important commodities in trade, like spices and silk, have influenced culinary practices and fashion around the world.
  • Markets and trading hubs have been central to social interactions, creating vibrant communities over centuries.

Modern Context

  • In today's digital age, online platforms facilitate trade by connecting buyers and sellers globally with a click.
  • The concept of fair trade promotes ethical practices, ensuring that producers in developing countries get fair prices for their goods.
  • Trade agreements like NAFTA and the EU help nations formalize trade relationships and lower tariffs.

Environmental Considerations

  • Trade routes can impact the environment; increased shipping and transportation contribute to pollution and climate change.
  • Sustainable trade practices are emerging, focusing on reducing carbon footprints and ensuring resources are used responsibly.
  • Eco-labels on products indicate that they are sourced responsibly, helping consumers make environmental choices while trading.

Origin of 'trade'

The word 'trade' has its origins in the Middle English word 'traden', which came from the Old English word 'tradian' meaning 'to tread'. This reflects the idea of walking or treading a path, symbolizing the movement and exchange of goods. Over time, 'trade' evolved to represent not just the act of exchanging goods, but also the entire system of commerce and business transactions.

See also: tradeable, trademark, trader, traders, tradesmen, tradesperson, trading.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #378, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.